Former OWGR chairman expresses regret over LIV Golf situation

The former chairman of golf's global rankings body expressed regret over never resolving the LIV situation and confusion over PIF's ongoing support

Peter Dawson was the head of the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) until he retired last year and was replaced by former Masters champion Trevor Immelman.  

The OWGR turned down LIV Golf's request in October 2023, citing concerns about the lack of meritocracy, format differences and fairness to other tours. 

LIV ultimately withdrew their application altogether but reapplied for OWGR points before the 2025 Masters. 

There is a renewed confidence at LIV that the changes they have made to the relegation system will ultimately give them the green light. 

Such a decision would allow LIV players to qualify for the men's four major championships as a result of their performances on the breakaway. 

LIV players are not prohibited from competing in the majors and officials at the R&A and USGA have created a special exemption for the leading LIV player to compete at the US Open and Open. 

There is speculation this number could increase. 

In a conversation with the Global Golf Post, Dawson said he was disappointed that he could never resolve the situation during his tenure. 

"It is self-evident that players on the LIV tour are good enough to be ranked because they were before," he said. 

"But OWGR has a duty to ensure that all of the thousands of players in the system are ranked equitably.

"Some aspects of the LIV format made that impossible. In my opinion OWGR made the only decision it could at the time. 

"I know that LIV has now reapplied to be included in the OWGR system. I want all golf initiatives to do well and I can’t see that LIV has been a success by any measure. 

"Yes, it has given great wealth to a very few people but in terms of engagement its format of team golf isn’t resonating anywhere near enough with the fan base."

LIV Golf will begin their fourth season next February in Saudi Arabia. 

As ever, there will be 13 $25m events and a team championship. 

LIV Golf is now very likely to forge ahead without a deal with the PGA Tour. 

A framework agreement between the establishment and LIV was announced in June 2023 but no deal has been or is likely to ever be ratified. 

Dawson said he didn't understand why LIV's financiers are continuing to invest in LIV. 

"They are doing wonderful things for the women's game with the PIF Global Series and they have terrific plans inside Saudi for expanding golf for their own people and for tourism," he said. 

"These initiatives deserve our applause but LIV seems to be the odd man out."

Report: Dustin Johnson agrees new LIV deal

Dawson's comments arrive at a crucial time for LIV Golf. 

A number of high-profile players' contracts are due to expire at the end of next season. 

Two-time major champion Johnson, 41, signed a three-year deal with LIV in 2022. 

There was speculation that the American golfer could head to retirement, extend his stay with LIV or even attempt a return to the PGA Tour. 

FlushingIt has reported that Johnson has agreed a new contract with LIV. 

Johnson's new contract was hashed out after several meetings in New York.